Why would an Italian Antonio Bevilacqua help another rival national team member Louison Bobet (France)? Is it because Antonio detested Gino Bartali due too his ultra right wing Catholic views and wanted to see Bartali loose. The 48 tour was in the wake of Palmiro Togliiatti assassination and I think Antonio Bevilacqua could have had Communist sympathies. This would explain why he was helping a rival French rider when the tour still had national teams.
Best wishes and be lucky. Michael Butler Huntingdon UK.